Leinster ‘threw the kitchen sink’ at Toulouse

The Irish province trailed early on at the Aviva Stadium after Antoine Dupont streaked clear to score, but efforts from James Lowe (2), Josh van der Flier and Hugo Keenan saw them book a Marseille final against Stade Rochelais in style.

“Credit to the lads, there was lots of really good stuff in the game,” Cullen said. “It was amazing for them to run out in front of that crowd as well.

“Lots of good stuff against a very, very good team in Toulouse and the lads, they threw the kitchen sink at them.

“But Toulouse, they hung in and hung in, and they’re always a constant threat. You could see that in the first half, we’re attacking in their 22 and we lose possession and they’re gone the length of the field.

That's TEN tries for @JamesLowe_03 now 💪

Including 8️⃣ in his last 4️⃣ to help @leinsterrugby reach the showpiece 🔥#HeinekenChampionsCup extended highlights ➡️ https://t.co/iLu6V0keb1 pic.twitter.com/H3f2PTW45o

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“It was a good performance overall. There’s still room for growth as always, but to deliver a big performance in the semi-final, it’s pleasing.”

Cullen highlighted how his team were boosted by a raucous crowd in Dublin, with their home advantage coming a result of their fourth place finish in Pool A.

“We always felt like we were scrambling, A to qualify and B to get a decent seeding because you can see out there the difference it makes when you’re playing at home in front of a big crowd,” Cullen explained.

“It’s that energy, the supporters play their part and then the team delivered off the back of that, which is delivering a performance with lots of energy and desire and hard work, and all that good stuff that you need to be successful.”